Solid opening batsman who helped stabilise England after Kevin Pietersen resigned as captain. Popular with his side but prepared to take strong line when required. Scored two hundreds during victorious 2005 Ashes series.

Scored seven Test hundreds before his 23rd birthday - a feat bettered only by Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar - including one on debut against India in Nagpur and 116 in Perth during 5-0 Ashes series loss in 2006/07.

Has made three hundreds in as many Tests against the West Indies this year after being axed 18 months ago after a run of three noughts against Sri Lanka. Self-cofident and stylish batsman who can fill-in with medium pace bowling.

Supremely gifted shotmaker, whose 158 at the Oval secured England's 2-1 Ashes win in 2005. He would have been England's captain this Ashes but for falling out with former coach Peter Moores. Caused controversy by switching allegiance from native South Africa to England. Enters this series under cloud of Achilles injury. Occasional off-spinner.

Appears to have won over selectors through his sheer weight of runs although doubts persist over the quality of his glovework, which saw him dropped in 2008 in New Zealand. Scored a century on Test debut against the West Indies.

Inspirational but injury-prone performer who was England's star of the 2005 Ashes series and adept at reverse-swing. Hard-hitting batsman but rarely comes off in Tests. Coming back from a knee problem, he is prone to getting into off-field scrapes. Captain when England were thrashed in 2006/07 Ashes.

Developing into a fully fledged all-rounder, he is an improving pace bowler and stylish lower order bat. But England will want him to take more wickets. Son of Ashes-winning former England batsman Chris Broad.

England's stand-out performer during recent tours of India and West Indies when he took 27 wickets in total. Had to wait for his chance but has now become team's first-choice spinner. Ability to turn the ball away from left-handers could be useful against Australia.

Old fashioned stump-to-stump seamer who has effectively ousted fellow Durham quick from the England side. Had memorable Test debut against the West Indies at Lord's this season, taking four wickets in seven balls.

Starting to come into his own as an international bowler after a stop-start Test career. Wasn't helped by attempts to modify his action. Good when conditions assist swing and reverse-swing bowling but has been targeted in past when ball not moving in the air.

Spinner with good natural turn has been criticised for always playing the same Test by Australia leg-spin great Shane Warne. Has been working on adding variation amidst concerns he may lose stock ball. But could yet form spin alliance with Swann if England opt to play two slow bowlers.

Spent six years in the Test wilderness after making his Test debut in 2001. Accurate seamer whose left-handed bowling style adds much needed variety to England's pace attack. Has been troubled recently by an Achilles injury.

Given his Test debut in May thanks in part to Flintoff's knee problems. Was youngest player to play for Yorkshire in 20 years when made debut in 2001. Persevering paceman he may not get Ashes chance unless others are injured.

Technically correct but has lost his England place to the more assured Bopara. Has been accused of suspect temperament and a failure to make runs when they are needed most. Cause won't have been helped by golden duck against Brett Lee while captaining England Lions in Australia's final warm-up match.